NWTF Texas Commits $161,200 To New Initiative

National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) chapters in Texas budgeted more than $161,200 to further its new “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.” initiative within the state in 2014. “The initiative is supported by our state boards and chapter members,” said Becky Humphries, executive vice president of conservation. “Hunting Heritage Super Fund money is critical to implementing the initiative, and investing in focal landscapes and hunter recruitment.” The NWTF’s initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million new hunters and open access to 500,000 new acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Texas State Chapter of NWTF funding totals $161,200 and includes: $35,000 to complete stewardship projects on National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, support NWTF’s Cooperative Biologist position, and purchase equipment for the new Southern Rolling Plains Prescribed Burn Association (SRPPBA). Funds for equipment purchases will be matched 3-to-1 through Pittman-Robertson federal aid funds and private donations for a total project of $40,000 to assist the newly-developing SRPPBA (19 counties). Partners: TPWD, USDA Forest Service, and NWTF. $20,000 to enhance habitat in the Rolling Plains region. Projects include habitat restoration the Muse, Matador, and Taylor Lakes Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Pittman-Robertson federal aid will match NWTF funds 3-to-1, resulting in $80,000 total for these projects. $5,000 to help transport 240 Eastern wild turkeys from cooperating southeastern states to three approved restoration sites in the Pineywoods and Post Oak Savannah Regions, one of NWTF’s identified Focal Landscapes in Texas. $6,800 to complete research on Rio Grande wild turkey population demographics and hen habitat selection in North Texas. Study sites are located in Montague County and on the LBJ National Grasslands in Wise County. This study is part of a $390,000 project this year. Partners: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M University’s Institute for Renewable Natural Resources, private landowners and NWTF. $94,400 is dedicated to support education efforts, volunteer leadership training, Texas Youth Hunting Program, Outdoor Adventures Program, all NWTF Hunting Heritage Programs, National Archery In the Schools Program, 4-H Shooting Sports, and Turkey Hunters Care Program.